S09 Implementation Phase II: Strategy, creativity and problem solving

Question 1

• What is CREATIVITY?

Answer 1

– It is the capacity or act of conceiving something original or unusual

Question 2

• What is INNOVATION?

Answer 2

• The implementation of something new

Question 3

• What is ADAPTION?

Answer 3

– Stretching existing agreed definitions of the problem and likely solutions

Question 4

Re-jigging MINDSETS and challenging INFLEXABILITY

Answer 4

• Forgive mistakes;
• Freedom – open culture;
• Encouragement and feedback;
• Experimentation;
• Acceptance of failure

Question 5

5 W’s and H

Answer 5

What
Why
When
How
Where
Who

Question 6

Role of creativity in project management

Answer 6

1. Identifying the issue/problem.
2. Developing a goal or objective.
3. Gaining support of sponsor and stakeholders.
4. Developing a detailed plan.
5. Assessing risks.
6. Securing resources
7. Handling problems
8. Motivating team members & recognizing their creativity

Question 7

Definition of strategy

Answer 7

• “…every business organisation, every sub-unit of organisation, and even every individual (ought to) have a clearly defined set of purposes or goals which keeps it moving in a deliberately chosen direction and prevent it drifting in undesired directions.” (Andrews, 1971)
• Operational thinking relates to those activities or sets of activities that characterise the internal functioning on a day-to- day basis. The HOW
• Strategic thinking, by contrast, considers the performance of such activities in their entirety. It is a way of thinking that reflects on how all these activities connect and relate to each other in achieving the objectives or mission. The WHAT (Porter 1996)

Question 8

Elements of a successful strategy

Answer 8

• Simple and consistent vision and goals;
• Clarity in defining what is a strategic issue;
• Logical and creative thinking;
• Skills to analyse – choose – implement;
• Thorough appreciation of the external/internal environment;
• Acute awareness of available resources;
• Effective implementation.